Review by Ian Keogh

Hilo is the enthusiastic robot kid from another planet who just arrived on Earth one day, rapidly making two best new friends in D. J. and Gina. Unfortunately during the events of Saving the Whole Wide World, Gina was sucked into a portal and disappeared, and right at that moment the army arrived and wanted to capture Hilo (shown on the sample art).

The way Judd Winick avoids their capture characterises the creative humour he supplies, as Hilo and D.J. concentrate on one matter as Hilo effortlessly deals with the army defences. Something that becomes a series characteristic is how Hilo is sophisticated enough to dream, and when he dreams her remembers aspects of his past, which, it seems, hasn’t always been glorious.

Hilo, however, is a good natured series, which is exemplified by Winick’s art. Pretty well everyone smiles a lot, and there’s an energetic rush, with the bright mood underlined by Steve Hamaker’s colour scheme.

There’s not a prolonged search for Gina, who’s been transferred to Oshun, home of Polly the cat warrior. They may be forceful and competent, but their world has nevertheless been conquered by a bunch of previously stupid dinosaurs after they acquired a magical rock.

Among the many clever aspects of Hilo is how Winick keeps adding to the cast. This is almost furtively carried out, as when a character is first seen, it’s generally without hint they have a purpose, and it’s not even halfway through before the introduction of someone who’ll play a major part in Waking the Monsters. It’s far from the final surprise dropped in yet another rocket paced adventure with some great emotional undertones. These are complex, but explained in a way young readers will understand.

Each book is a complete joyous rush with a start and finish, yet each also builds toward a bigger picture, and that’s increasingly the case as the series moves forward. Everyone who’s enjoyed the previous books will love The Great Big Boom.